Ms Brigid Quilligan:

Norah Casey, the broadcaster and businesswoman, and Leanne McDonagh, the Traveller artist, activist and Cork Institute of Technology, CIT, education worker have set up an organisation that is trying to match employers with Travellers so people can stand out and say they would take such an opportunity on. That is one good initiative that is taking place.

I have been around these tables a long time and I was joking with Mr. McCarthy about this at our staff team meeting. I pointed out we were saying the same thing 20 to 25 years ago. He told me I was repeating myself but I told him I hope he is not here in 25 years saying this same thing to young people. We need to stop taking the crumbs from the table because that is what we are getting. Matching up with employers could have an impact for individuals but if we want a mass impact and if we really want to create change, the State will have to live up to its duty and take affirmative action for Travellers to redress and address the inequality that exists. The State could do that easily. The primary healthcare programme is a phenomenal success. We need programmes such as that for education, equality, home help and carers. We need that right across the system. We have made that change in the Department of Health and in the Department of Education and Skills there are employers in place already. We have the people ready to go in and train. I have 38 people in Kerry, which is a small county, who would walk into a traineeship or a job today, as some of them are work-ready. That is the tip of the iceberg. We have the people there. We just need the State to meet us halfway.